Biotechnology Journal International
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Efficacy of Azadirachta indica in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Helminthiasis
No full textThe study was carried out to assess the anthelminthic efficacy of Azadirachta indica commonly known as Neem (Dogoyaro). The phytochemical components of the leaf extract was accessed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and the efficacy was carried out in vitro and in vivo using Toxocara canis (as worm model) of dogs. Twenty peaks of compounds were revealed in the GS-MS chromatogram, with Hexadecanoic acid which is saddled with anthelminthic effect as one of its major constituents. In the in vitro study, the lethal concentration was 92.48ml/mg at 6hrs. Percentage egg reduction of 76.2% and 83.9% from the Faecal Egg Count (FEC) at LC25 and LC50 respectively was recorded for the in vivo study. The overall blood count of all the puppies used for the experiment were 4.46 X 106µL for RBC, 31.32% for PCV and 11.23 X 103for WBC. Puppies treated with Azadirachta indica leaf extract showed minimal alteration of the three heamatological parameters (WBC, PCV and RBC) analyzed compared to the uninfected control group and group treated with Mbendazole. This indicates that Azadirachta indica leaf extract is effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal helminthiasis and also further investigations are recommended as it may be useful in the treatment of other diseases
Genotyping by Sequencing Reveals Genetic Relatedness and Duplicates amongst Local Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Landraces and Improved Genotypes in Kenya
No full textFuture demand for cassava is expected to increase in order to mitigate climatic changes, sustain food security and provide raw materials for industry. To meet these demands, adoption of modern omics methods ensures reliability, precision and timely delivery of more productive and resilient varieties. A total of 112 mix of duplicate clones, diverse local cassava landraces (LARs) and improved genotypes (IMGs) were genotyped using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated through genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach. About 17% (5808) of the 33672 SNPs were used for hierarchical clustering and ADMIXTURE analysis for ancestries. Approximately 48 and 52% of the germplasms respectively formed 17 independent clusters (identical clones or duplicates) and admixtures (unique or non-duplicated clones). Of the duplicates, 10 clusters were formed from LARs, four from IMGs and three from a mix of both LARs and IMGs, revealing their genetic relatedness. Approximately 71 and 29% of clusters comprised cassava accessions from the same and different geographical regions, respectively, with the geographical restriction of clusters attributed to the limited movement of planting materials across the country, possibly due to a weak seed distribution system or disease-driven quarantine measures. The historical sharing or exchange of stakes or stem cuttings by farmers was linked to the duplication of LARs, whereas IMGs duplication may be associated with convergent evolution, selection, or sharing of common parentage. The high number of admixtures or unique clones implied minimal loss of genetic diversity. These findings can aid designing efficient and effective cassava improvement programs through development of a core set of diagnostic markers
The Metagenomic Characterization of Bacterial Community in Aquacultured Shrimp Penaeus monodon
No full textAquaculture has grown rapidly during the last few decades due to research and developmental activities but we are still unaware of the various microbial species thriving within the aquaculture systems and their specific roles for knowing that Mmetagenomics study required environmental sample to discover the unexplored microbial community. The aim of this present study is to characterize the gut microbiota of giant tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon collected gut sample and16S rRNA gene-based high-throughput sequencing revealed distinct and diverse microbial communities. The results showed a high abundance of Betaproteobacteria, followed by Alphaproteobacteria, Clostridia, Actinobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli found in the gut sample Microbes that play essential roles in nutrient cycling and mineralization of organic compounds such as Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, Gammaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, and Actinobacteria could also be identified. Due to the strong influence of the gut microbiota on fish health, dominant bacterial species in the gut are strong candidates for probiotics. These findings provide valuable information on the microbial community and contribute to controlling the diseases in shrimp farms
Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationships among Jatropha curcas L. Genotypes from Eastern India
No full textGenetic diversity and relationships among 31 genotypes collected from wide geographical range in eastern India was studied employing Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. 19 markers (identified out of 25) produced 139 band in total. Off these 139 bands, 131 bands were polymorphic exhibiting a high polymorphism of 94.24%. Similarity indices estimated on the basis of RAPD primers ranged widely from 0.44 to 0.83 which suggests that these accessions represent genetically diverse population possibly due to predominance of cross pollination and seed source variability. Genotyping data obtained for RAPD primer across collected accessions were used to generate the UPGMA - based phylogenetic tree which shows two major clusters. The cluster I consisted of 16 genotypes from two states Jharkhand and Odisha (Chotanagpur and Eastern plateau region) while 15 accessions from West Bengal and Bihar (Indo Gangetic plains region) were grouped together in the Cluster II. This clear alignment of accessions into two different clusters as per geographical regions was probably due to different growing conditions in two clusters
Evaluating Bioremediation Potentials of Fungi Species (Alternaria Sp., Aspergillus Sp. and Fusarium Sp.) on Heavy Metals from Plausible Industrial Effluent Discharges in Mmiri Ele Stream in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
No full textThe greatest challenge of man today is to deal with metal pollution problems because unlike organic compounds which are decomposed naturally, heavy metals tend to persist on the aquatic environment, hence get accumulated at different sensitive sites. Given the growth in environmental awareness, emphasis is given on this exploration of environment friendly ways for decontamination procedures. Attention has been drawn to bioremediation which is a good alternative to conventional remediation technologies. The preference for it is based on the fact that it is of low cost, and generates non-toxic by products. Microorganisms have acquired a variety of mechanisms to adapt themselves to the toxicity of heavy metals. The results obtained from the bioremediation of cadmium, chromium and copper in both the water samples and sediment samples using Alternaria sp, Aspergillus sp and Fusarum sp, show that there is a significant decrease in the quantities of cadmium, chromium and copper in both the water samples and sediment samples upon treatments with the selected microorganisms. The result of the bioremediation of chromium shows a significant decrease in the amount of chromium in the sample from the mean value of 0.423 for pre-remediation treatment to 0.08 for post remediation treatment. There was also a reasonable decrease in the amount of copper metal in the water sample from 0.193 to 0.092. The post bioremediation of cadmium in sediment sample shows a significant decrease in the amount of cadmium from 0.2430 to 0.1880, tending towards the value of the control. The bioremediation of the heavy metals significantly reduced the amount of the heavy metals present in the polluted environment. Hence, it can be said that under suitable environmental and biochemical conditions, microorganisms can be used in the remediation of the heavy metals present in a heavy metal polluted environment
Effects of Aqueous Seed Extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa on the Reproductive Indices of Male Rats
No full textEffects of aqueous seed extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa on the reproductive indices of male rats were investigated. A total of 104 adult rats were used for the experiment, and were divided into 4 groups (group A – D) and replicated in triplicate. Group A served as the normal control, while groups B, C and D received three graded doses (800mg/kg, 1200mg/kg and 1600mg/kg) of the extracts, respectively, by oral intubation. The gonad characteristics, sperm parameters and hormonal analyses of the male rats were determined using standard procedures. These were ascertained prior to the commencement of treatment, and on weekly basis. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS and R software at 95% confidence interval. An overall dose and time dependent showed significant differences in the mean weekly gonad characteristics of the male rats in the treatment groups when compared with the control. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the body weights of the male rats, but a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the testes weights, gonad somatic index, sperm count and sperm motility in the rats. The gonadal hormone testosterone, responded to the plant extracts, while follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones were largely undetected. There were significant increases in the testosterone levels of all the treated rats. Conclusively, aqueous seed extracts of Sphenostylis stenocarpa seems to possess ability to enhance reproductive health in male rats
A Preliminary Study on Allelopathy and Potential Allelochemicals of Root Exudates from Solanum rostratum Dunal
No full textAims: In order to understand the role of allelopathy in invasion success, effects of root exudates from Solanum rostratum Dunal on germination and primary growth of wheat and cabbage seeds were studied by vitro bioassay. These results indicated the allelopathy of root exudates and would be helpful for understanding Solanum rostratum Dunal invasion.
Study Design: The roots were washed clean for three times with distilled water before they were gathered in a big bucket. The container was filled with distilled water, enough to submerge the roots, and air was aerated constantly with an air pump. The water extract was collected per 24 hs and for four times totally. The water extract from Solanum rostratum was concentrated with a rotary evaporator at 40°C and deposited in a refrigerator at 4°C. All the root exudates were pooled around 1500 mL, and the fresh weight of Solanum rostratum used for exudates collection was 1208 g, the exudate concentration was then marked as 0.8g f w/mL.
Place and Duration of Study: Solanum rostratum was grown in the greenhouse on April 15th, 2019, its seeds were collected from the invaded fields in Chaoyang city (Liaoning province, China).
Methodology: Petri dish bioassay was applied to test the effects of root exudates of Solanum rostratum on the seeds of wheat and Chinese cabbage. For test of allelochemicals exudated through the root, The compounds in organic fraction of root exudates analysed by GC-MS.
Results: These results indicated the allelopathy of root exudates and would be helpful for understanding Solanum rostratum Dunal invasion.
Conclusion: Root exudates of Solanum rostratum contained some allelochemicals, which could inhibit the germination and radicle growth of wheat and Chinese cabbage, though the effects of root exudates on shoot growth are different, with a stimulation on Chinese cabbage while a inhibition on wheat. The difference indicated a selectivity of allelopathy effect of root exudates from Solanum rostratum Dunal
Bioethanol Production from Various Lignocellulosic Materials by Encapsulated Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCIM 3095
No full textBioethanol has a greater promise for environmental safety and energy security than fossil fuels. The alternate source required to meet the fuel\u27s requirements can be provided by bioethanol. Untapped sugar-rich sources, like cellulose-rich household wastes, industrial wastes, and agricultural wastes, can all be used to make bioethanol at a minimal cost. The study\u27s objective was to determine whether saccharomyces cerevisiae cells from the encapsulated NCIM 3095 strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae could be used to make low-cost ethanol from a variety of lignocellulosic wastes, including newspaper, banana leaves, gram straw, soybean straw, and cow dung. To reduce bacterial contamination and serve as an external growth stimulator, benzathine penicillin G and ammonium sulfate were added to each sample broth containing calcium alginate-encapsulated yeast cells. The samples were fermented for ten days. The ethanol content was evaluated every three days. The largest yield of bioethanol was produced by soybean straw (10.0%), while the lowest was by cow dung (4.0%)
Association of Glu298Asp Polymorphism of eNOS Gene with Cardiovascular Diseases
No full textMolecular-genetic diagnostics of polygenic diseases is a new and interesting area in laboratory diagnostics, especially in the area of cardiovascular diseases, as one of the leading causes of mortality in the world population.
Aims: The aim of the paper was to analyse variants of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (NOS3) (Glu298Asp/G894T) in the human population of Tuzla Canton in relation to cardiovascular diseases.
Study Design: The study included 112 respondents of both sexes over 18 years old. The experimental group for the analysis of the polymorphism (Glu298Asp) of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene included 56 respondents of both sexes with cardiovascular disease (hypertension), while the control group comprised 56 healthy respondents of both sexes without a prior history of cardiovascular disease (sample/control).
Place and Duration of Study: Blood sampling was performed at Medical Center "Plava Poliklinika", “Plava Medical Group”, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics, Tuzla. DNA isolation and molecular-genetic analysis of the samples were performed in Laboratory for scientific research at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Tuzla.
Methodology: The genotyping of eNOS Glu298Asp polymorphism for all respondents was determined by an optimized method based on PCR-RFLP reaction.
Results: In the total sample of respondents, the highest genotype frequencies of the eNOS gene were recorded for the GG genotype (53.5%) and the GT genotype (35.7%). The lowest frequency was recorded for the TT genotype, which was 10.8%.
Conclusion: The results obtained in the study provide good guidelines for further study of a molecular-genetic association between a high number of gene candidates and cardiovascular diseases, which will contribute to the incorporation of these results into the existing regional and European genetic database
Effect of Gravidity on Cardiovascular Markers in Normotensive Pregnant Women
No full text Gravidity, or the number of pregnancies a woman has had, is linked to a number of biochemical alterations, including changes in cardiovascular parameters. These modifications may increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease in this population. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect gravidity has on some cardiovascular markers among normotensive pregnant women. A cross-sectional study of 100 women of reproductive age was carried out at Rivers State University and Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, the subjects were chosen at random for the study. Blood samples were taken and tested for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, uric acid, and Apolipoprotein A1 and B. Apolipoprotein A1 and B were all measured in blood samples for biochemical analysis. The levels of low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein were determined. Graph Pad Prism Version 8.0.2.263 was used to analyze the data from the study. Result gotten from the study showed that Gravidity had no significant effect on biochemical parameters (TC, TG, UA, LDL, Apo A1, Apo B, CRP, and VLDL) in pregnant women (P>0.05), but there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in HDL levels among the group; 0.87 ± 0.21 (1-2), 0.93 ± 0.21 (3-4), 0.86 ± 0.12(5-6) and 1.30 ± 0.00 for (7-8). The effect of gravidity (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8) on HDL was shown to be significant for ANOVA and Turkey post hoc multiple comparison test; (1-2 vs 7-8) (P= 0.0204) and (5-6 vs 7-8) (P= 0.0250).. This study demonstrated that gravidity had little or no effect on the biochemical parameters but increases the HDL cholesterol level in normotensive pregnant women.